Ebuzz News
Archived: Tribe Ice Sets The Bar. Deejay Puffy, Orlando Octave, Lyrikal, Kees Set The Pace.
The question isn’t who was at Tribe Ice. The question is who wasn’t? Even Soca stars not carded to perform made their presence felt. You’ll never guess who killed it!
Carnival 2017 kicked off with pretty much a bang on Saturday night as promotional leaders, Carnival Tribe hosted its inaugural 2017 carnival fete, Tribe Ice, at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain, Trinidad. On a night when the choice of carnival pump options was still sparse, Ice seemed to be the best bet for most.
By midnight the crowd seemed to have been steadily building. Coolers, pretty girls in sexy outfits and a stage that absolutely killed it, Tribe was definitely on fire! The energy at the event, while still relatively calm for a Carnival session, did signal that there would be much to anticipate this year. Performances by MX Prime and Kees increased expectation of what was to come and when a talkative but still engaging Patrick Alexis of Nuphoric took the stage just after a stalled stage set due to technical hiccups, Soca music proved life-saving. Alcohol setting it by 2am, the Tribe Ice vibe was enough to make most agree that they’d missed Carnival and had truly been anticipating its return after the past year.
This year, Tribe’s committee members and friends were allowed a special space, apart from the rest of the crowd. The question of whether that was a good idea or not, lingers. Beyond the makeshift rope separation and barricade of black-garbed security guards stationed to ensure that those without blue or silver bands were barred from entering, a sea of Tribe faithfuls danced and looked toward the stage, seemingly hoping that they could’ve been granted closer access to see and feel the energy of there favorite soca stars.
Barbados’ Deejay Puffy brought his special vibe to Tribe Ice on Sunday morning.
Lyrikal was on point.
Notwithstanding this however, the fete went on. Lyrikal was a breath of fresh air. His style and music resonated throughout the venue and immediately hands were thrown in the air. It was as though a Carnival God had arrived and his hits, ‘Loner’, ‘Freedom’ and later, ‘Jammin Sake’, would prove that he remains a strong Soca deliverer in 2107. In the venue and taking in the energy were several other Carnival heavyweights, among them Neil Iwer George, Shal Marshal and Ricardo Drue. Barbados’ Fadda Fox was introduced by Lyrikal and gave a hearty performance of his blockbuster hit, “Dirty Habits” before exiting. The crowd would later see and experience the immensely impressive stage performance of a fellow Bajan superstar when recently crowned Red Bull Thre3Style DJ Champion, Deejay Puffy made a cameo appearance alongside Trevlyn and Lord Hype. His style is distinguishably his and we anticipate seeing a lot more of him as the season intensifies.
“Lyrikal was a breath of fresh air. His style and music resonated throughout the venue and immediately hands were thrown in the air.”
Orlando Octave did not come to play on Sunday morning.
The showstopper, who many at the venue seemed to have been looking forward to would come with his dreadlocks flowing, and his waist moving to the beat of his hit, “Single”. On his head, he wore a cap with the song’s name emblazoned. Orlando Octave had arrived. The song, as catchy as it is melodic, had the entire crowd singing along. Octave performed perfectly at Tribe Ice. His voice effortlessly sweetened the fete and when he broke into the RR riddim, which was produced by veteran DJ, Mr. Slaughter, the Xcaliber Sound head honcho would enter briefly, much to the crowd’s thrill. The reigning Soca Monarch King, ‘Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis was also a part of the fete. He was introduced and subsequently delivered well, with his ‘Cheers To Life” and new hits, “Far From Finished” and “Get Away” which was collaboratively created with Bad Royale.
Tribe Ice has certainly kicked off the fettin’ in T&T. Carnival 2017 slated to culminate on February 27th and 28th, the Jammin’ session is likely to be a great one for all interested. Ebuzztt.com will keep you in the know. STAY CLOSE.
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.
